Parenting Teens Untangled - Realistic, science-backed teen & tween parenting advice
Rachel Richards
I'm Rachel Richards, Teen Parenting Specialist, former BBC Correspondent, CNBC Europe World News Anchor and mum, on a mission to make parenting teens much less stressful, and even enjoyable. Do you ever feel like you don’t know what you’re doing? I've experienced that too, so have a big hug from me.Here's the truth. You’re doing better than you think you are. No, really, you are. There’s too much talk about what a parent should be, and how we can optimise and perfect ourselves, and not enough about how well you’re coping in this complicated world as you hold your shizzle together.I mean it, the most important message is that you CANNOT be perfect. You’re going to lose your rag, you’re going to get upset and say stupid things and make mistakes and hate your kids and your partner and your life from time to time.Take it from me, if you’re going to worry about anything make it: ‘Am I being curious enough?’Asking questions will get you everywhere as a parent of teenagers, and the place to do most of your practice is… yourself and your own thoughts and beliefs.So, welcome, pull up a chair, drop your baggage, and make yourself comfortable. Let’s learn together.The Podcast:A fellow mum begged me to start my podcast because she wanted someone she trusted to help her through the teen years, and I’ll be forever grateful to her because the journey has transformed my own parenting and benefited my family beyond imagination.Here’s the good news, this podcast is free and you can learn everything I learned just by starting at the beginning and going through every episode.If you want to go a bit faster then scroll through and pick subjects that cover what you need right now. If you can’t find what you want then message me and I’ll tell you which one will help you most. If it’s not something I’ve covered then I’m like a dog chasing a stick, so you’ll soon get your answers.My main aim is to help you stop trying to be perfect, or comparing yourself and your kids with others. Your only real job is to focus on getting to know the amazing people you have in your life, loving them unconditionally, and showing them you believe they can do hard things.JOIN ME ON SUBSTACK:For those of you who want more, or who just want to help me feel like the pebbles I have dropped in the ocean of life are making a difference, why not join my paid community? You’ll get one-to-one support and printable PDF’s that give you the top tips from each podcast episode so you have your own little, bespoke manual.ASK ME ANYTHING: I’m very busy behind the scenes reading everything so you don’t have to, and when you subscribe you have the chance to ask me anything. If I don’t know the answer I’ll head out like an eager truffle pig, ready to snuffle out the best for you.COMMUNITY: I’ll be offering regular extras, including tips and thoughts, that help you tune into what matters.All of the community notes, and tips, will remain available to paid subscribers. I want to make this more about fun and less about fear.PDF NOTES: So many listeners say they have rewound the episodes to write down notes, well now there’s no need. Paid subscribers will have a weekly, downloadable, summary of the top tips from each episode, so you don’t have to take notes.Please let me know if there are any old episodes for which you’d like the notes. I’m very happy to supply them.POINTERS: Ask me if there’s something you’re struggling with, I can tell you which episode is most suitable for you, because there are a lot to trawl through.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jul 6, 2022 • 51min
Lying teenagers, and sibling comparisons.
Ask Rachel anythingHave you ever caught your teenager lying to you? Let's face it, lying is part of everyday life. In fact an entire film was made on the premise of a lawyer incapable of telling a lie for 24 hours. The result is comedy, but we all know that it can be serious. Our challenge is teaching kids to be truthful to us when it matters, and to be able to tell the difference between the sorts of lies that oil relationships in a healthy way and the ones that will ultimately end up destroying trust.We discuss the types of lying, the reasons why our teenagers are doing it, and how to tackle the situation when they're caught out. Also, have you been keeping track of the age at which you give each of your teens specific freedoms? When could they get their ears pierced, when did they get their devices, and when were they allowed out to parties? Have you kept careful notes, or did you just wing it? It can cause real friction between siblings so we share our own stories.RESOURCES:https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/thinking-about-kids/201703/why-do-teens-lie-part-1https://www.researchgate.net/publication/280064789_From_junior_to_senior_Pinocchio_A_cross-sectional_lifespan_investigation_of_deceptionhttps://www.newportacademy.com/resources/restoring-families/why-do-teenagers-lie/https://www.jstor.org/stable/353854?seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents"Other Teens Drink, but Not My Kid": Does Parental Awareness of Adolescent Alcohol Use Protect Adolescents from Risky Consequences?https://www.parenting-hub.com/parenting/teen/consequences-for-teenagers-lying/Support the showPlease hit the follow button if you like the podcast, and share it with anyone who might benefit. You can review us on Apple podcasts by going to the show page, scrolling down to the bottom where you can click on a star then you can leave your message. Please don't hesitate to seek the advice of a specialist if you're not coping. There's no shame in reaching out for support. When you look after yourself your entire family benefits.My email is teenagersuntangled@gmail.com My website has a blog, searchable episodes, and ways to contact me:www.teenagersuntangled.comFind me on Substack: https://teenagersuntangled.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teenagersuntangled/Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/teenagersuntangled/You can reach Susie at www.amindful-life.co.uk
Jun 23, 2022 • 47min
Favourite parent; and teenagers trying to ‘express’ themselves?
Ask Rachel anythingDo you have a teen at home who's all sweet and loving with one parent, but treats the other like they're a bad smell? Karen says she feels like running away because she's walking on eggshells in her own house, with a daughter who is rude to her but sweet and kind to her husband.Why do they do it and how can we, as both a parent and partner, make things better for everyone? Also, it's been around since the Ancients: Personal expression using hair dyes, make-up, nail varnish, piercing and tattoos is something teenagers gravitate towards, and some parents struggle with. How should we respond to any requests or demands, and what restrictions should we be putting in place?RESOURCES:Favoured parent:https://www.parents.com/parenting/better-parenting/teenagers/you-might-not-be-your-teens-preferred-parent-right-now-but-that-doesnt-mean-they-love-you-less/https://imperfectfamilies.com/child-prefers-one-parent/https://www.metroparent.com/parenting/advice/kid-prefers-parent/https://theweek.com/articles/915007/why-kids-have-favorite-parentTeenage Expression:https://gracieopulanza.com/psychology-of-teenagers-the-tattoo-and-piercing-generation/https://yourteenmag.com/health/physical-health/tattoos-for-teens https://www2.ljworld.com/news/2015/mar/24/double-take-teen-tattoos-are-lasting-expression-wo/https://raisingchildren.net.au/teens/behaviour/peers-friends-trends/tattoos-piercings#talking-with-your-child-about-tattoos-and-body-piercings-nav-titlehttps://teamstage.io/tattoos-in-the-workplace-statistics/https://www.elle.fr/Societe/News/L-epilation-nouvelle-source-de-conflit-mere-fille-Temoignages-4028381https://lorenaoberg.co.uk/Support the showPlease hit the follow button if you like the podcast, and share it with anyone who might benefit. You can review us on Apple podcasts by going to the show page, scrolling down to the bottom where you can click on a star then you can leave your message. Please don't hesitate to seek the advice of a specialist if you're not coping. There's no shame in reaching out for support. When you look after yourself your entire family benefits.My email is teenagersuntangled@gmail.com My website has a blog, searchable episodes, and ways to contact me:www.teenagersuntangled.comFind me on Substack: https://teenagersuntangled.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teenagersuntangled/Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/teenagersuntangled/You can reach Susie at www.amindful-life.co.uk
Jun 16, 2022 • 48min
Boy friendships. Also what the %#*!😳 we should do about swearing?
Ask Rachel anythingWhen we covered the issues of friendship groups, with girls in mind, we had a massive reaction from parents who have been struggling to understand what's going on. Now it's the turn of boys. When friendships work, they are extremely beneficial, but what causes boys to struggle with their mates, and how can we help them?Also, how do you deal with swearing in your family? Is it absolutely forbidden, does it matter who's doing it and when, or are you all a bit potty-mouthed? We look at the science and the social side of swearing. References: Teenage Boyshttps://www.healthyplace.com/parenting/the-parent-coach/how-to-help-your-son-deal-with-mean-boyshttps://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2018/11/08/mean-behavior-isnt-just-girls-heres-how-help-your-son-manage-toxic-relationships/https://www.parentsleague.org/blog/listening-project-fostering-connection-boys%E2%80%99-schoolshttps://www.menshealth.com/uk/mental-strength/a32002443/the-importance-of-staying-connected/https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jora.12047https://www.amazon.co.uk/Deep-Secrets-Friendships-Crisis-Connection/dp/0674072421Watch/listen with your teen:https://therepproject.org/films/the-mask-you-live-in/https://www.ted.com/talks/chimamanda_ngozi_adichie_the_danger_of_a_single_story?language=enThe Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett PodcastThe 2022 film Close: https://www.festival-cannes.com/en/festival/films/closeReferences: Swearinghttps://www.verywellfamily.com/managing-disrespectful-teens-3974887https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-39082467.amphttps://www.discovermagazine.com/health/worried-about-your-foul-mouth-swearing-could-actually-be-good-for-youhttps://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/text-2020-0051/htmlText & Talk: An Interdisciplinary Journal of Language, Discourse & Communication Studies.Support the showPlease hit the follow button if you like the podcast, and share it with anyone who might benefit. You can review us on Apple podcasts by going to the show page, scrolling down to the bottom where you can click on a star then you can leave your message. Please don't hesitate to seek the advice of a specialist if you're not coping. There's no shame in reaching out for support. When you look after yourself your entire family benefits.My email is teenagersuntangled@gmail.com My website has a blog, searchable episodes, and ways to contact me:www.teenagersuntangled.comFind me on Substack: https://teenagersuntangled.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teenagersuntangled/Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/teenagersuntangled/You can reach Susie at www.amindful-life.co.uk
Jun 6, 2022 • 49min
Parenting a tween or teen who's self-harming. Also, what's your talking style?
Ask Rachel anythingThe rate of self-harm among young children in the UK has doubled over the last six years according to recent research compiled by the British Broadcasting Corporation.Keith Hawton, a professor of psychiatry at the University of Oxford, told File on 4 the data on self-harm was “in keeping with what we’re finding from our research databases. It’s almost as though the problem is spreading down the age range. One analysis of self-injury behaviour across more than 40 countries found that the average age of the first incident of self-harm is 13 and adolescents have the highest rate of self-injury behaviour. Given the increasing risk that your teen, or one of their friends, will be impacted by self-harm we decided to delve into what it is and how we can better help our adolescents. One mum says that her 12 year old teen began self-harming due to bullying. She takes her to the swings whenever she needs to soothe herself, and says it makes all the difference. Such a great idea! Resources:https://www.priorygroup.com/media-centre/ten-ways-a-parent-can-help-a-child-avoid-self-harminghttps://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/two-takes-depression/201803/6-tips-reduce-self-harm-in-childrenhttps://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/self-harm/for-friends-and-family/https://www.healthyplace.com/abuse/self-injury/10-ways-people-self-harm-self-injurehttps://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/23/health/mental-health-crisis-teens.html https://www.healthyplace.com/abuse/self-injury/why-pro-self-injury-pro-self-harm-websites-are-dangeroushttps://www.therecoveryvillage.com/mental-health/self-harm/self-harm-statistics/HELPLINES:In the UK Samaritans, 116 123In the US National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255In Australia the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14www.befrienders.orgSelfharm.co.uk Called Alumina is a free online 7 week course for young people struggling with self-harm Each course has up to 8 people, all at home. You don’t need an adult to sign you up. UK.free online self-harm support for 14-19 year olds.LifeSIGNS.org.uk information to support people who are ready to find new ways to cope. Selfinjurysupport.co.uk offers information and support to women and girls affected. Youngminds.org.uk Support the showPlease hit the follow button if you like the podcast, and share it with anyone who might benefit. You can review us on Apple podcasts by going to the show page, scrolling down to the bottom where you can click on a star then you can leave your message. Please don't hesitate to seek the advice of a specialist if you're not coping. There's no shame in reaching out for support. When you look after yourself your entire family benefits.My email is teenagersuntangled@gmail.com My website has a blog, searchable episodes, and ways to contact me:www.teenagersuntangled.comFind me on Substack: https://teenagersuntangled.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teenagersuntangled/Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/teenagersuntangled/You can reach Susie at www.amindful-life.co.uk
May 20, 2022 • 51min
The Advice No One Tell Parents About Teens and Anxiety.
Ask Rachel anythingThe anxiety epidemic:In 2020 the UK charity Mental Health Foundation surveyed more than 2,000 children and found 50 per cent of teenagers aged 13-19 were experiencing anxiety they found hard to control. Suggested books:· The Anxiety Workbook for Teens: Activities to Help You Deal with Anxiety and Worry· Breaking free from Childhood Anxiety and OCD, Eli Lebowitz.The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidthttps://www.anxiousgeneration.com/Key points taken from UNWINDING ANXIETY: by Judson Brewer Mindfulness is a key tool:'If you feel anxious it’s an uncomfortable feeling so you start worrying about it. Worrying is seductive because it makes you feel like you’re doing something to get to a solution. All it does is to distract you from the negative emotion. It temporarily numbs the difficult feelings and feels more rewarding to your brain than the original emotion.''If your brain learns that worrying provides temporary relief, then whenever you’re anxious your brain will trigger worry. It becomes a compulsive habit over which you have no control, but the worrying makes you feel more anxious.'· The first step to understanding your own anxiety is simply mapping your own habit loops/ What kind of situations trigger anxiety or other difficult feelings? · Which behaviours has your brain learned to respond as a way to soothe or distract you?· What is the result of those behaviours?'When you get into an anxiety loop use:RAIN:Recognise difficult feelings.Accept them and allow them to be there.Investigate the sensations in your body and emotions bubbling up.Note what’s going on, and simply observe yourself out of curiosity.Resources:https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/23/health/mental-health-crisis-teens.html https://www.forbes.com/sites/williamhaseltine/2021/08/25/depression-and-anxiety-double-in-youth-compared-to-pre-pandemic/?sh=22e0bfb2139fhttps://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/feeling-anxious-dont-worry-its-good-for-you-s70jvtdbxhttps://childmind.org/article/signs-of-anxiety-in-teenagers/ RULES FROM: https://www.verywellfamily.com/establishing-house-rules-for-teenagers-1094873Support the showPlease hit the follow button if you like the podcast, and share it with anyone who might benefit. You can review us on Apple podcasts by going to the show page, scrolling down to the bottom where you can click on a star then you can leave your message. Please don't hesitate to seek the advice of a specialist if you're not coping. There's no shame in reaching out for support. When you look after yourself your entire family benefits.My email is teenagersuntangled@gmail.com My website has a blog, searchable episodes, and ways to contact me:www.teenagersuntangled.comFind me on Substack: https://teenagersuntangled.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teenagersuntangled/Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/teenagersuntangled/You can reach Susie at www.amindful-life.co.uk
May 9, 2022 • 44min
Pornography:What you need to know before having THAT talk.
Ask Rachel anythingWARNING: EXPLICIT CONTENT. Pornography is probably as old as art itself. Whether you indulge, or wouldn't go near it, there has never been a time when it is more graphic, or readily available to children and teens, with the knock-on impact on their own attitudes towards sex and relationships. Just for context, an unbelievable 42 billion individual visitors accessed Pornhub in 2019, averaging more than 115 million visits per day, and that was before Covid-19.That's why it's critical that we all find a way to have conversations with our teens about what they might access, whether deliberately or by accident, and how to put it into context in a way that will protect them from the harm it can cause. In this episode we looked into the statistics, the science, and the reality of how we talk to our teens and what we need cover. How to talk about it:Www.culturereframed.orghttps://fightthenewdrug.org/lets-talk-about-porn/https://protectyoungeyes.com/10-before-10-time-to-make-porn-a-normal-talk/Resources used:Boys and Sex - Peggy Orensteinhttps://parents.culturereframed.org/https://www.iflscience.com/health-and-medicine/watching-pornography-rewires-the-brain-to-a-more-juvenile-state/?fbclid=IwAR1_G3WTO_CkM5FYwONmKd5VN6Pja7UYwFzBPiB6oxEEjhWz6V9kNYBOZCMhttps://www.covenanteyes.com/2014/02/03/brain-chemicals-and-porn-addiction/https://childmind.org/article/how-to-talk-to-teenagers-about-porn/Instagram account talking about consent and other issues around sex. @lalalaletmeexplain Some of the resources mentioned in our 'Spending time with your teens' section:Outdoors:AllTrails apphttps://www.geocaching.com/play - which is like treasure huntPopular games with our teens:CatanKnowThe Great Game of BritainMonopolyRiskPokerQuick, but compulsive games: Monopoly DealPerudoSupport the showPlease hit the follow button if you like the podcast, and share it with anyone who might benefit. You can review us on Apple podcasts by going to the show page, scrolling down to the bottom where you can click on a star then you can leave your message. Please don't hesitate to seek the advice of a specialist if you're not coping. There's no shame in reaching out for support. When you look after yourself your entire family benefits.My email is teenagersuntangled@gmail.com My website has a blog, searchable episodes, and ways to contact me:www.teenagersuntangled.comFind me on Substack: https://teenagersuntangled.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teenagersuntangled/Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/teenagersuntangled/You can reach Susie at www.amindful-life.co.uk
Apr 26, 2022 • 38min
Bullying teens, and the best way to tackle it. Also, dealing with teen backchat.
Ask Rachel anythingA definition of bullying: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3918673/Negative physical, verbal, or relational actions that (a) have hostile intent, (b) cause distress to the victim, (c) are repeated and (d) involve a power imbalance between perpetrators and victims. What researchers have learned about it:There is no single profile of a young person involved in bullying. Youth who bully can be either well connected socially or marginalized, and may be bullied by others as well. Similarly, those who are bullied sometimes bully others.Solutions to bullying are not simple. Bullying prevention approaches that show the most promise confront the problem from many angles. They involve the entire school community—students, families, administrators, teachers, and staff in creating a culture of respect. Zero tolerance and expulsion are not effective approaches.Bystanders, or those who see bullying, can make a huge difference when they intervene on behalf of someone being bullied.Studies have shown that adults can help prevent bullying by talking to children about bullying, encouraging them to do what they love, modelling kindness and respect, and seeking help.WHAT PARENTS CAN DO: Ask questions of everyone, write everything down and become the most pleasant nuisance you can be until it is resolved.Beforehand: Parents create trust with children by initiating open, honest discussions. Communicate values and learn about your child’s experience. Make it easier for your children to turn to you if they witness or experience bullying. A bully's preferred method of intimidation is to keep his victim isolated. A parent's best strategy for countering bullying is to reach out to as many people as necessary to make sure that the bullying comes to an end.IF YOU THINK YOUR TEEN MIGHT HAVE BEEN BULLIED: Start the conversation in a general way because it’s humiliating to admit.IF THEY AREN’T SURE IT WAS BULLYING: Ask open-ended questions to get more information about what happened, so you can help them identify bullying.IF YOUR CHILD WAS THE BULLY: Stay calm. Be open and listen. Ask questions. The goal is to help them learn from this and work through the reasons they did it so you can help them find other, healthy ways to deal with their feelings or situations that come up. You will also need to work with the school or parents to deal with it. BULLYINGhttps://www.stopbullying.gov/resources/teensSupport the showPlease hit the follow button if you like the podcast, and share it with anyone who might benefit. You can review us on Apple podcasts by going to the show page, scrolling down to the bottom where you can click on a star then you can leave your message. Please don't hesitate to seek the advice of a specialist if you're not coping. There's no shame in reaching out for support. When you look after yourself your entire family benefits.My email is teenagersuntangled@gmail.com My website has a blog, searchable episodes, and ways to contact me:www.teenagersuntangled.comFind me on Substack: https://teenagersuntangled.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teenagersuntangled/Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/teenagersuntangled/You can reach Susie at www.amindful-life.co.uk
Mar 28, 2022 • 51min
Lone parenting and Understanding Teen Mood Swings.
Ask Rachel anythingLone parenting:One of Susie’s superpowers has been raising three kids alone, so this time we look at some of the issues of lone parents, and some top tips for managing well.We talk about positive modelling of the opposite sex, the stresses on teenagers and how to support them, and how to use mindfulness to find your way through the stresses of doing it alone. Links to resources I dipped into are below. We’d love to hear if there are any specific issues you’d like tackled.Moody teenagers:Simon’s son’s moods are bringing down the whole family. He asked us what he can do about it and how to know when it’s something more serious than just being a typical teenager.We talk about the science behind what’s happening, the way in which it can trigger our fears as a parent, and what to do to coach a teen through moody phases so that it doesn’t impact the entire family.We also give the top things to consider when wondering whether it’s something more serious that needs professional help. Resources used for single parenting:http://www.ymresourcer.com/model/brhome.htmhttps://www.outbacktreatment.com/effects-divorce-teen/ Resources used for dealing with moody teenagers:https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/why-are-teenagers-so-moody-a6874856.htmlhttps://www.quickanddirtytips.com/parenting/tweens-teens/moody-teenagerDan Siegel The Adolescent Brainhttps://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/gut-feelings-how-food-affects-your-mood-2018120715548https://healthcare.utah.edu/the-scope/shows.php?shows=1_1jyrruaoSupport the showPlease hit the follow button if you like the podcast, and share it with anyone who might benefit. You can review us on Apple podcasts by going to the show page, scrolling down to the bottom where you can click on a star then you can leave your message. Please don't hesitate to seek the advice of a specialist if you're not coping. There's no shame in reaching out for support. When you look after yourself your entire family benefits.My email is teenagersuntangled@gmail.com My website has a blog, searchable episodes, and ways to contact me:www.teenagersuntangled.comFind me on Substack: https://teenagersuntangled.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teenagersuntangled/Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/teenagersuntangled/You can reach Susie at www.amindful-life.co.uk
Mar 16, 2022 • 51min
Friendship: Girls and toxic groups, also building resilience
Ask Rachel anythingIf you know the film Mean Girls you're no stranger to the concept that teen friendship groups can be fraught with problems. Whilst the film illustrates an extreme version of the issue any parent of girls will be familiar with the angst they can cause. With the help of the book Queen Bees and Wannabes by Rosalind Wiseman, Susie and I look at how you can coach your daughter positively through this tumultuous time. Below are top tips I gleaned from the book: Wiseman breaks down the structure of these groups into roles. The Queen Bee - the one who sets the tone for the group, and holds control.The Sidekick - the one who backs up the Queen Bee.The Banker - The one who collects information on members and uses it like a currency.The Messenger - The one who passes on information to try and make peace between girls.The Pleaser/Wannabe - The one who tries to please the others regardless of what she loses in the process.The Torn Bystander - The one who sees what's happening but feels powerless to say anything.The Target - The one who is undermined to consolidate power.The Champion - The one who manages to have friends in different groups.Power is wielded through teasing and gossip.An excellent video to watch with your teen:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zx11-9RU2UThe job of the parent is to help your daughter recognise what's happening and help her to strategise.How to do this:S: Stop and strategise.E: Explain to 'mean girl' what it was that she doesn't like about the way she has been treated.A: Affirm her right to exist without being humiliated.L: Lock in/Lock out of the relationship.Bill of Rights:· What does she want and need in a friendship? Trust, reliability..· What are her rights in a friendship? To be treated respectfully, with kindness and honesty.· What are her responsibilities? To treat her friends ethically.· What would a friend have to do or be like for her to end the friendship?· What are her friend’s rights and responsibilities? To listen, even when it’s not easy to hear.See www.culturesofdignity.com for more information.HOW TO GET YOUR TEEN TO KEEP GOING PAST THE FIRST HURDLE:Research by Seligman, Peterson and Duckworth. shows that the most successful people have seven key character traits.· Zest· Grit· Self-control· Hope-optimism· Curiosity· Gratitude· Social intelligenceGRIT: something we develop, mostly through encouSupport the showPlease hit the follow button if you like the podcast, and share it with anyone who might benefit. You can review us on Apple podcasts by going to the show page, scrolling down to the bottom where you can click on a star then you can leave your message. Please don't hesitate to seek the advice of a specialist if you're not coping. There's no shame in reaching out for support. When you look after yourself your entire family benefits.My email is teenagersuntangled@gmail.com My website has a blog, searchable episodes, and ways to contact me:www.teenagersuntangled.comFind me on Substack: https://teenagersuntangled.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teenagersuntangled/Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/teenagersuntangled/You can reach Susie at www.amindful-life.co.uk
Mar 5, 2022 • 55min
Screens and teens and healthy eating.
Ask Rachel anythingMore than half of UK parents in one study were concerned that excessive screen time while schools were closed could cause addiction later down the line, so if you feel the boundaries have shifted you're not alone. Don't panic: Common Sense Media and the WHO (when adding gaming disorder to their list of diseases) say it's not how many hours are spent on screens, it's what your teen is using screens for and the impact it has on how they feel and the other areas of their life. Rachel’s blog post on handing your teen a device: https://www.teenagersuntangled.com/blog/mobile-phones-social-media-and-online-access-what-i-would-do-if-i-had-my-teens-or-tweens-again/ Key Resources: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/being-your-selfie/202105/teens-and-technology-guide-digital-detoxing https://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/flash/2018/dopamine-smartphones-battle-time/ https://www.commonsensemedia.org/articles/screen-time-in-the-age-of-the-coronavirus https://socialmediavictims.org/effects-of-social-media/Lawsuits against Meta (Facebook and Instagram) for the harm they cause users - https://socialmediavictims.org/meta-lawsuits HEALTHY EATING: Our knowledge and understanding around eating disorders is far more developed than it ever was in the past. Most of us know that developing a disorder can be harrowing and life-threatening, and needs professional intervention. As a result, many of us are fearful of saying anything for fear of triggering a disorder. Prevention begins with open communication - start early:· Regularly discuss media messages that convey the idea only a certain body type is acceptable, and encourage your teen to question what they're seeing..· Be kind to yourself about your own body.· Teach your teen to tune into how their diet affects how they feel, and their energy levels. · Encourage your teen to eat mindfully, and only when they're hungry.· Eat together as a family· Listen to our podcast on promoting a Support the showPlease hit the follow button if you like the podcast, and share it with anyone who might benefit. You can review us on Apple podcasts by going to the show page, scrolling down to the bottom where you can click on a star then you can leave your message. Please don't hesitate to seek the advice of a specialist if you're not coping. There's no shame in reaching out for support. When you look after yourself your entire family benefits.My email is teenagersuntangled@gmail.com My website has a blog, searchable episodes, and ways to contact me:www.teenagersuntangled.comFind me on Substack: https://teenagersuntangled.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teenagersuntangled/Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/teenagersuntangled/You can reach Susie at www.amindful-life.co.uk
